The insider's guide to Lake Taupo
by Nadia L. King
You’ll be spoilt for choice in Taupo. This is truly backpacker central, and you’ll find every option for accommodation from campgrounds to flashpackers. So where do you start?
Have a look at www.backpacklaketaupo.com, and remember to book ahead in the busy summer months.
Places to stay
Go Global is located in the thick of the nightlife action, and boasts a huge upstairs verandah from which you can enjoy a beer and watch the world go by. Just a block away, Taupo Urban Retreat is famous for its evening BBQs and bar, while Tiki Lodge offers many of those those home comforts. All three hostels are less than a hundred metres walk to the lake’s edge as well as the town’s cafes and shops.
On the outskirts of the town centre you will find Rainbow Lodge, a Taupo institution. This is the spot if, you’re after a relaxed vibe, book exchange club and bike hire. Nearby the Silver Fern Lodge is spacious, quiet and has the option of private rooms with ensuites.
YHA Taupo is another popular spot, with a busy cedar hot tub, DVD library and a secure bike lock up. Blackcurrant Backpackers is run by a friendly crew and is very handy to shops and supermarkets. For old-school backpacking, try Berkenhoff Lodge, a bit further out and offering a swimming pool, spa and the Chain bar!
All hostels in Taupo have a free activity booking service. Their staff will have been there and done that, so make the most of their expertise to find out the must-do activities in the region. Whatever it is that floats your boat, Lake Taupo’s got it! (very bad pun not intended…)
Things to do
The world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, known as New Zealand’s best day hike, is at the top of most travellers’ list. Make sure you’re well prepared for it, with the proper gear, food and footwear - this is 17 km of high-altitude volcano tramping. It’s a long 6-7 hour day, but well worth it for the sight of the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, not to mention the perfect peak of Mount Ngauruhoe along the way.
For some reason, Lake Taupo has become a very popular place to jump out of a plane – more people do a tandem skydive every day in Taupo than probably anywhere else in the world. I’d say it has to do with the awesome scenery, low prices and professionalism of all three local skydive operators. Ring Freefall!, Taupo Tandem Skydiving and Skydive Taupo to find out what they offer, but if you’re going to leap from a perfectly good airplane and plummet to the earth at terminal velocity once in your life, this is the place to do it!
You can’t come to Lake Taupo without actually getting on Lake Taupo. Take your pick of vessels: kayak to the Maori Carvings with Wilderness Escapes or sail along the lake in style with the Barbary. It’s also worth asking at your hostel how to get to one of Taupo’s beaches for a refreshing dip in the lake – the town centre is perched on a small cliff but swimming beaches are just a short stroll away, either by the floatplane or towards Four Mile Bay.
Take a bungy jump with water plunge at Taupo Bungy or a speedy spin to the mighty Huka Falls with Hukafalls Jet. After your jet boat ride, be sure to pop in to Huka Prawn Park next door for a well-deserved glass of wine and prawn cocktail on the best sun-drenched terrace in Taupo. You can even fish for your own prawn first!
The rivers surrounding Lake Taupo are great for rafting. Kiwi River Safaris or Tongariro River Rafting both offer a choice of safe and exhilarating trips on grade-3 + rivers.
You’re also at the best base from which to explore Mount Ruapehu. This active volcano peaks at 2797 meters. Ski or snowboard in winter, hike in summer or simply enjoy the vista with a good coffee at the Knoll Ridge Café.
Getting there & around
Getting to Lake Taupo is easy: it’s on New Zealand’s main highway (SH1), half-way between Auckland and Wellington. Magic Travellers Network and Kiwi Experience both make it part of their itinerary. Once you’re there, you can hire a car at Rent-a-dent and get transport to and from the Tongariro Crossing with Tongariro Expeditions. Most activity operators will pick you up from your hostel, ask at the time of booking.
What next?
Celebrate your awesome Taupo adventures with a beer at Mulligan’s and dance the night away at our famous late night bars.
For even more online information visit www.backpacklaketaupo.com
FACT FILE
• Getting there & around
Getting to Lake Taupo is easy: it’s on New Zealand’s main highway (SH1), half-way between Auckland and Wellington.
Magic Travellers Network and Kiwi Experience both make it part of their itinerary. Once you’re there, you can hire a car at Rent-a-dent and get transport to and from the Tongariro Crossing with Tongariro Expeditions. Most activity operators will pick you up from your hostel, ask at the time of booking.
• How to find out more
Right, sounds good to you? Here’s what to do next: have a look at
www.backpacklaketaupo.com - Backpack Lake Taupo’s official website.
Contact details for accommodation and activities can all be found in one place on this handy website.